These Are the Best Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner
There’s a lot to love about Thanksgiving dinner. For instance, there’s the food, the family, and the conversation.
There’s also a lot to stress about on Turkey Day—like the food, the family, and the conversation.
That’s why we put together a list of the best wines to sip during every course, from dinner to dessert.
Best Wine to Go With Turkey
Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
According to our friends at Food & Wine, Chardonnay’s “crisp acidity, mineral undertones, and fruit-forward nature bring out the best that turkey has to offer.”
Meanwhile, pinot noir’s high acidity and versatility make it perfect for pairing with turkey and a wide array of delicious holiday sides.
Try: Buena Vista North Coast Pinot Noir ($18) or Foxglove Central Coast Chardonnay ($17)
Get the recipe: Perfect Roast Turkey
Best Wine to Go With Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Cabernet Sauvignon or Sauvignon Blanc
When you’re looking for a wine to pair with rich and creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, look for a bottle that’s full-bodied enough to stand up to the side’s fatty ingredients.
Try: Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($17) or Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($10)
Get the recipes: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes and Foolproof Turkey Gravy
Best Wine to Go With Green Bean Casserole
Pinot Grigio or Riesling
WATCH: How to Make Italian Green Bean Casserole
A light, bright veggie like the green bean needs an equally light and bright wine pairing—think light-bodied pinot grigios or Rieslings.
Try: Peter Zemmer Alto Adige Pinot Grigio ($16) or Giesen Riesling ($19.99)
Get the recipe: Italian-Style Green Bean Casserole
Best Wine to Go With Stuffing
Zinfandel or Chardonnay
Yes, stuffing is mainly comprised of bread. But when you take a bite, it’s not the grains you notice—it’s the herbs. A light white or a light-medium red will bring out all those delicious parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme flavors.
Try: Bogle Old Vine California Zinfandel ($12) or Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve California Chardonnay ($14)
Get the recipe: Smoky Chorizo Stuffing
Best Wine to Go With Pumpkin Pie
Fortified Dessert Wine
It may seem counterintuitive, but a sweet dessert calls for an equally sweet wine. Try a glass of Sherry, Port, or Madeira to finish off your dinner.
Try: Tio Pepe Fino Muy Seco ($18)
Get the recipe: Classic Pumpkin Pie